Massage

At Jamie Bell Physiotherapy we provide a number of different massage techniques to suit a patient's injury. Whether it is a deep tissue massage or a sports massage, the physiotherapist can discuss the different techniques with you to ensure the most appropriate technique is used to treat your injury.

Massage is often used in combination with other treatment modalities to treat an injury or painful area. Certain abnormalities that massage can be used to treat include increased muscle tone/tension, muscle trigger points which are causing referred pain, increased thickening of connective tissue, muscle tears, bruised muscle, tendonitis and arthritis.

Massage is used as an essential treatment method throughout the sporting world, from elite athletes to the amateur sportsman/woman. It is also used to treat musculoskeletal issues in the non-sporting world, especially for individuals who have a physically demanding job which may cause muscle tightness and musculoskeletal problems.

There is no need for a GP referral for a massage with Jamie Bell Physiotherapy, you can simply call and book yourself in with one of our highly qualified physiotherapists who can chat through different options with you. You will also have the option of whether you would prefer a male or female physiotherapist.

Sports massage

Sports massage is used widely throughout the sporting world to ensure optimal performance. Whether you are an avid sportsman/woman, a casual jogger, or you have a physically demanding job which is causing low back pain, sports massage can be extremely beneficial.

At Jamie Bell Physiotherapy we provide sports massage as a treatment method to help ease stress and tension that builds up in the body's soft tissue before and after physical activity. If you feel you have a tight muscle (hamstring, calf muscles, lower back muscles, neck muscles) that is not easing with stretching, a sports massage would be extremely effective in reducing muscle tension to ensure maximal performance in your chosen sport.

In relation to other massage techniques, sports massage tends to be deeper and slightly more intense. The technique involves a combination of different methods such as trigger point release, friction massage, compression and effleurage. The combination used will be dependant upon your symptoms or injury, ensuring the application is specific to your needs.

I have torn my hamstring muscle when playing rugby, would massage be beneficial?

Yes, massage is extremely beneficial after an injury such as a muscle tear. Through direct stimulation sports massage will improve blood flow to the area helping to optimise recovery and minimise the development of inflexible scar tissue, enabling optimal performance and reducing the risk of further injury.

I have a desk job and I suffer from low back pain, would I benefit from a sports massage?

Absolutely, a sports massage is not just used in the sporting environment. It can be used as a beneficial treatment method for tight and painful muscles, regardless of the reason for the symptoms. Treatment can also help determine whether there are any other factors contributing to the problem.

Deep Connective Tissue Massage

Deep connective tissue massage is a form of massage used to release tight connective tissue (ligaments, fascia) by breaking down scar tissue, chronic tension and increasing joint range of movement. The nature of the massage aims at improving the length and flexibility of the connective tissue throughout the body, normalizing its structure to improve its strength and stability.

As the technique focuses on reaching the deeper layers of the muscle, the massage can be less relaxing and comfortable than other forms of massage. However the benefits will be noticeable after a couple of sessions and patients should experience reduced pain, reduced muscle tension and increased movement to the specific area.

Does Massage Help Stress and Muscle Tension?

Massage is extremely beneficial for stress and muscle tension, allowing the muscles to relax and become less painful. It may be that you do not have a specific injury, but you feel you would benefit from a regular massage around your neck or shoulders to help ease tension from a busy life sat at your desk or rushing around after your family! You can book in with a chartered physiotherapist who can discuss different options for you to help with the muscle tension or stress levels.

If you would like to discuss your problem before booking an appointment please give our physiotherapy team a call, we will do our best to help.